10 of New York City's Best Museums You Need to Visit

These NYC museums are a must when in the Big Apple. World-famous not only for the art they house, some of these landmarks are just as well-known for their eye-catching architecture. You'll want to tour their exhibits and take in all they have to offer.

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The Metropolitan Museum of Art

Best-Known for its Expansive Collection of Works

The Met is one the most visited museums in the United States. On the edge of Central Park, the museum is divided into 17 different departments or galleries. There is even a second location in northern Manhattan, The Cloisters, completely dedicated to medieval Europe art and architecture.

In 2015, the Whitney Museum re-opened in its new location in the West Village. The museum is mostly known for their yearly exhibit called the Biennial Exhibit, which showcases newer artists' work with a focus on the 20th and 21st Century.

Artists You'll Find: Edward Hopper, Lewis Hine, and George Tooker

Museum of Modern Art

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Museum of Modern Art

Best for Contemporary Art Enthusiasts

The MoMA is one of the most influential museums for modern art in the world. People come from all over to see the works and exhibits that this museum houses. Plan ahead, because this place can draw quite the crowd. In addition to all the artwork, there is a sculpture garden and a library with over 300,000 books.

Artists You'll Find: Dali, Van Gogh, Wyeth, Warhol, and Magritte

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9/11 Memorial Museum

Best for Understanding a Tragic Moment in History

Experience the 9/11 Museum's beautiful memorial that pays tribute to the 2,996 people lost during the most horrific terrorist attack to happen on American soil. Book in advance because tickets sell out quickly.

Exhibits You'll Find: In Memoriam, where visitors are able to learn about the men and women that we lost; the historical exhibition, which is divided in three parts: Day of 9/11, Before 9/11, and After 9/11. The last column from the World Trade Center Towers is also on view.

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American Museum of Natural History

Most Kid-Friendly Museum (Don't Miss the Dinosaurs!)

The American Museum of Natural History is one of the largest in the world and is full of artifacts, including dinosaur skeletons aplenty. There are over 45 permanent exhibits, including a planetarium where you can interact with a 3D atlas of the entire universe. Fun Fact: This was the museum featured in Night at the Museum starring Ben Stiller.

Exhibits You'll Find: Irma and Paul Milstein Family Hall of Ocean Life, the Hall of Ornithischian Dinosaurs, and the Theodore Roosevelt Rotunda

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Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum

Best for its Notable Architecture

The Guggenheim building itself, designed by Frank Lloyd Wright, is just as much of a sight to see as the art inside. As the floor ramps up in a circle, Wright intended for visitors to have the possibility of seeing various pieces of work from different levels at the same time.

Artists You'll Find: Kandinsky, Klee, and Mondrian

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Ellis Island Immigration Museum

Best for Exploring America's Roots

The Ellis Island Immigration Museum is ideal for understanding America's origin story. In fact, you may even find an distant ancestor on the Immigration Wall of Honor! Great for kids or adults, the museum brings awareness to the immigration era and the massive role Ellis Island had in being a gateway for millions of people coming to America.

Come aboard the Intrepid and see original artifacts of all things sea, air, and space — including a real space shuttle and an underwater submarine. You'll also be able to visit the interactive exhibits like the Intrepid-focused Exploreum Hall, that's for both kids and adults.

The Frick houses some of the most well-known works of art from the masters. The inside of this 1912 mansion that was home to Henry Frick, is not only filled with paintings from famous European artists dating back to the 14th Century, but also a vast collection of sculptures and porcelain. As you walk through the beautiful halls, it will amaze you that this was actually his house.

Best for Understanding What Life in New York Was Like During the 1860s-1930s

The Tenement Museum is actually a true tenement on the Lower East Side that once housed 7,000 immigrants. Take a guided tour of the apartments with actors recreating immigrant life. You'll be able to get a glimpse at what life was like for them as you interact with the interpreters.

Exhibits You'll Soon Find: Coming in July 2017, "The Story Continues..." Exhibit offers actual life stories of various immigrants who started a new life in the Lower East Side.

Brian Murray, Jr.Lifestyle EditorBrian is the longstanding lifestyle editor at BestProducts.com, and his work has been featured on Popular Mechanics and Good Housekeeping; He covers everything from the latest viral product trends to the coolest things in pop culture.

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